Afghanistan has been famous for its beautiful lapis lazuli for thousands of years. This gemstone, with its striking blue color and sparkling gold specks, has a special place in the history, culture, and economy of the country. Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli is considered some of the best in the world, with unique characteristics that make it highly valuable and sought after. This article will explore the history, mines, types, and quality of Afghan lapis lazuli.
The history of Afghan lapis lazuli dates back at least 7,000 years. The ancient people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and even Greece and Rome prized Afghan lapis for its intense blue color and used it to make jewelry, statues, and sacred items. The Egyptians used it in jewelry and even ground it into powder to create blue eyeshadow for royalty. For centuries, Afghanistan has been the primary source of high-quality lapis lazuli, which was traded along the Silk Road to Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Famous Lapis Lazuli Mines in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli mines are mainly located in the Badakhshan region, in the northeast part of the country. The most famous mine is the Sar-i Sang mine, which is considered one of the oldest gemstone mines in the world. This mine has produced lapis lazuli for thousands of years, and its stones are known for their rich blue color. Sar-i Sang and other nearby mines continue to be the main sources of high-quality lapis lazuli in Afghanistan. Badakhshan’s lapis mines are often in remote and mountainous areas, making mining difficult. However, the local people continue to mine lapis as it remains a valuable part of their economy and heritage.
Amount of Lapis Lazuli in Afghan Mines
Afghanistan is believed to have large reserves of lapis lazuli, especially in the Badakhshan region. Exact figures on the number of lapis available are difficult to determine due to limited exploration and mining in remote areas. However, Afghanistan’s lapis mines have supplied high-quality lapis for thousands of years, and experts believe there is still a significant amount left. The Sar-i Sang mine alone is thought to hold considerable reserves, ensuring that Afghanistan remains a major supplier of lapis lazuli for many years to come.